Fire Department

Fire investigators have ruled this fire accidental and the result of a recently-used butane torch placed into storage too soon after use. Damages are estimated at $50,000.

--PIO Cynthia Schuster

A passerby called 911 Monday to report “lots of smoke” in the area of Lakeside Drive near Colby Street. The smoke turned out to be the first signs of a garage fire occurring about a block away.

Neighbors notified the homeowner as firefighters responded to the scene. Ladder Co. 1 observed smoke showing from the eaves of the garage, as well as through a window, upon arrival. Engine Co. 3 pulled an attack line as Ladder Co. 1 gained entry through a side door. The fire was located right away and Engine Co. 3 put forth a swift fire attack, first from the side door and then through the front opening of the overhead doors. The fire burned through the interior ceiling and traveled into a loft space in the garage. Crews performed overhaul and continued to soak down hot spots until the fire was completely extinguished.

The nearby home was not affected by the fire. The owner reports “some mice were displaced,” though the American Red Cross was not called. The cause of the fire is under investigation.